The Jobs Fund, is one of the largest challenge funds globally and is now taking applications in its 12th funding round.
Since its launch in 2011, the Jobs Fund through its 11 Funding rounds has catalysed innovative job creation interventions creating 210,719 permanent jobs and 114,534 short-term jobs/internships across multiple economic sectors.
The focus with this round of funding is on creating employment opportunities in South Africa’s green economy, as well as in the informal economy.
In the call for proposals the Jobs Fund says: “The Jobs Fund invites proposals that will address critical employment barriers in South Africa’s green and informal economies. We seek sector intermediaries from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors with solid implementation expertise to propose innovative and implementable solutions that will create sustainable jobs and stimulate economic growth. Successful proposals must demonstrate how interventions will overcome labour market barriers and ensure job sustainability beyond the initial grant funding period.”
They are focusing on the green and informal sectors due to the potential they both present, “Over 3.3 million people are employed in the informal sector, however the sector remains underdeveloped compared to other emerging economies. Both the green and informal economy hold untapped potential for job creation but face barriers such as skills gaps, financing challenges and regulatory issues.”
Applications opened on 22 April and will close on 5 June. Please feel free to attend the briefing session on 8 May, or the training session on 13 May.
For more information visit the Jobs Fund website or download their brochure and term sheet.